So, we have an idea — one that seems supported by at least some of my Tweeps (oh how I hate that word) — based on their response to my Tweet (follow me and you’ll know these things) saying I hoped people would stick around.

Each day (or, more than that if we have enough entries) we’ll post an entry submitted by one of you. You’ll get the byline on the post and a hyperlink to your blog/online journal, if you have one (and if it’s appropriate).

A couple of guidelines:

Submissions need to fall into one of the categories you see over there on the right. As regular readers know, dating/relationship posts are the most popular. Trend pieces, shopping and fashion are also pretty hot. Pieces highlighting local stores, attractions, sales, discounts, deals, etc. get readers’ attention, too.

Personal stories are a huge hit — as you’ve seen from how readers react to my personal stories on Lisa and the friendship loss, my stories about R, etc.. The tales can be touching, funny, sweet, sad, etc.

In this case, customer service stories do not apply (although you can submit those for our CS tab and I’d love to consider them for the future).

Each submission needs to be 300 words or less. Trust me, that’s short — and you can go shorter as long as there’s some context.

The piece must be your original work. Lawsuits aren’t pretty, especially because you’ll be doing this for free, and therefore aren’t going to be making extra cash to pay off those plagiarism fines.

Hyperlinks in your story are always a plus. Anything that helps readers better understand a topic doesn’t hurt.

Submissions need to be to me — via e-mail — by July 6, 2009. You can send them in the body of the e-mail (preferred) or as a Word document. If you are sending an attachment, please use Word. I’m at kgustafson@timesunion.com.

Because you’re submitting the entries in advance of my vacation, make sure you aren’t giving ustime-sensitive material. We need evergreen-style pieces.

Comments will be moderated by us, and the same rules will apply (AKA no vicious personal attacks).

You will not be Simon Cowelled for your writing style. Only comments sticking solely to the topic — so ones where readers agree (or disagree) with your opinions, or share their own stories — will be approved.

If you include “art” (ex: a stock image, or one you took), that’s a plus. Do let us know, though, where you got the image. We need to follow copyright rules.

If you’re lucky, AOA (or some of my fellow TU bloggers) may even link to your post. Exposure, baby, exposure.

All readers are eligible, and people can submit more than one entry. (If you have a lot on your mind, there’s no reason we can not post three different submissions from you.)

We have the right to pass on posts due to content, grammar, subject matter, or because we don’t like them (kidding, sort of :) ).

We also reserve the right to edit submissions for content, grammar, length, etc.

cc…I immediately thought the same thing about Marlon! lol…weeks of his crap would drive away Kristi’s whole audience. Thank God for small favors.

I love to write, but there’s no way I could write LESS than 300….lol Besides, it would just be about my kids or my beloved Pittsburgh Penguins and neither of those fall into any of your categories Kristi! :)

Hi Kristi. One thing we might add to your list. Blog writers need to use their real names. We don’t do anonymous blogs, although we have had offers from state workers or wait staff at fancy restaurants.

CSG, thing is people aren’t going to know your user name, unless it’s obvious (AKA those commenters who use their first and last name anyway).

Say your real name was Jennifer Jones. We aren’t going to say ‘This post was written by Jennifer Jones, who goes by Center Square Gal on the blog.’

As A non pointed out, if you’re going to have a forum that far exceeds 10 thousands readers a day taking the time to read — and comment on — your post, owning up to those thoughts (and being proud to stand behind them) makes sense.

One thing I’ve learned since I started blogging: Anyone can comment anonymously, but it takes courage to put your opinions out there under your real name. Kristi does that every day. I think this is a great idea, and I’m looking forward to seeing who takes Kristi up on her offer.